About 100 people took part in a Wurundjeri Traditional Games Day in Melbourne's Glenroy on Saturday.
Participants learned dances and Marngrook football, and how to throw boomerangs and spears.
Wurundjeri elder Bill Nicholson said many of these activities "were utilised to bring fitness and health to our people."
"They would also be used to build skills, teamwork and knowledge," he told SBS World News.
In addition, Mr Nicholson said they were used to determine roles in tribal communities.
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"The elders would have been sitting back working out the characteristics and character of certain kids as they were growing up, for later positions within the tribe," he said.
The event was organised by Moreland council.
Mayor Helen Davidson said it was held on Mabo Day to help create greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their culture and heritage.
"These games are something that have been practiced on this land for thousands of generations," Mayor Davidson told SBS World News.
"It's connecting the youth to the land, and the wider community," she said.
Bill Nicholson said the strong turnout was proof of the continuing desire to learn more about first Australians.
"There's a need and a want by the wider community to understand the culture of the land they live on," he said.
"And to know more about it and to meet the community and get involved.
"I love it."
